Halloween candy was still 50% off at the local grocery store when some of my friends put up their Christmas trees. Seriously. Friends, if you’re still eating pumpkin-shaped candy corn that tastes fresh, don’t put up a Christmas tree. If the mums on your front porch haven’t turned dark brown yet, put that reindeer wreath back in the hall closet. If your Thanksgiving turkey is still frozen or it’s still walking around on a turkey farm in Maine, step away from the Santa Claus candy dish.

I understand a retail business decorating for Christmas a little early. They’re trying to sell stuff. But when my Facebook timeline began to show friends’ homes lit up for the Christmas holidays during the FIRST week in November, I wondered if the heated political climate of the last few months had caused folks to lose a grip on reality.

May I make a suggestion? All of you need to pick up a Norman Rockwell calendar. You need to run your life by that calendar. A Norman Rockwell calendar will clearly and beautifully illustrate what every American is supposed to do and when they’re supposed to do it. The November page of the calendar always has that classic picture of the friendly chubby grandma bringing a golden-brown turkey to the table. That chubby grandma is trying to tell you something, friend. She looks old and wise so you should probably listen.

In November, you’re supposed to think about Thanksgiving. You’re supposed to plan for Thanksgiving. You’re supposed to spend the whole month being thankful. If you want to decorate, it should look like the Brady Bunch home of the 70’s. Orange, brown, avocado, and harvest gold. If your pumpkins haven’t rotted yet, you can leave them on the porch. I’ve usually killed all my mums by now. But this year, I’ve kept them alive. It’s a Christmas miracle…uh, I mean, a Thanksgiving miracle.

I love Christmas trees. My family loves Christmas trees too. We love icicle lights. Who doesn’t love a long string of fake icicles made from little white lights? Wreaths? We’re big fans. Really tacky Popsicle stick ornaments made by Kindergartners? Absolutely. I’ll even cheerfully tolerate a can of fake snow sprayed around your bathroom mirror, if you’re so inclined. But let’s all slow down a bit on the Christmas celebration. Remember to celebrate Thanksgiving with great joy and appreciation. No matter what you think about our country’s political situation, our blessings are many.

I agree wholeheartedly. We can’t get through one holiday before plans for the next are in full swing. Where is the focus on what really matters? This year I heard Christmas ‘stuff’ was out in September in some stores. Slow down peeps and take a deep breath. Enjoy today before worrying about next week or next month.